Autoimmune Diseases Are Not Mysterious As Many Think | Here Are The Causes, Triggers, and How Nigerian Foods and Herbs Can Help

Growing up as a child in a not too porch neighborhood in Lagos, we were made to believe that some sicknesses mysteriously appear on cursed individuals.

Autoimmune diseases make top position on the list of illnesses caused by curses. Well, now I know better and I will in today’s article be sharing information that will help debunk tales like the one I and my contemporaries were made to believe.

I will even go as far as educating on how Nigerian diets can help solve most of the autoimmune ailments. Relax and enjoy the piece.

Autoimmune diseases remain one of the most perplexing conditions in medical science today. Affecting approximately 5-10% of the global population, these disorders occur when the immune system—the body’s natural defense against infections—mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues – strange, right?

This misguided attack leads to chronic inflammation and damage to various organs.

While autoimmune diseases are well-recognized globally, their causes and management are still widely debated. Recent research suggests that a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, hormonal changes, and gut health can influence their onset and progression.

This article delves into the causes of autoimmune diseases and highlights how certain Nigerian foods and herbs may help manage these conditions based on verifiable medical evidences.

What Are Autoimmune Diseases? A Focus on the Underlying Causes

1. Genetic Factors: The Role of Heredity

Research shows that individuals with a family history of autoimmune diseases are more likely to develop these conditions themselves. Genes responsible for immune system regulation are often implicated in diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Autoimmunity found that over 40% of people with autoimmune diseases have close relatives who are also affected by similar conditions.

Additionally, some ethnic groups, such as those of African descent, are genetically predisposed to more severe forms of autoimmune diseases, including lupus and type 1 diabetes.

2. Environmental Triggers: How External Factors Influence Autoimmunity

Environmental triggers are pivotal in the onset of autoimmune diseases, especially in genetically predisposed individuals. Common triggers include:

• Infections: Pathogens such as viruses and bacteria have been linked to autoimmune diseases through a process called molecular mimicry. This occurs when immune cells mistakenly target normal cells that resemble an invading pathogen. For instance, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been implicated in triggering lupus and multiple sclerosis.
• Toxic Exposure: Chemicals found in polluted air, water, or industrial settings can act as autoimmune triggers. A 2019 study from the Environmental Health Perspectives journal highlighted how exposure to pesticides and heavy metals increases the risk of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure: For individuals with conditions like lupus, excessive UV light from the sun is a common trigger for disease flare-ups.

3. Hormonal Influence: Why Autoimmune Diseases Are More Common in Women

According to data from the American College of Rheumatology, about 75% of autoimmune diseases occur in women. This is primarily due to the influence of estrogen on the immune system. Fluctuations in estrogen levels during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can exacerbate autoimmune symptoms. A 2020 study published in Autoimmunity Reviews suggested that estrogen’s role in regulating immune responses makes women more prone to autoimmunity.

4. Gut Health: The Gut-Immune Connection

Recent findings underscore the importance of gut health in autoimmune disease development. The gut microbiome, the ecosystem of bacteria in the digestive tract, plays a critical role in immune regulation. Disruptions to this microbiome—often referred to as dysbiosis—can lead to conditions like leaky gut syndrome, where toxins and undigested food particles escape the gut and trigger autoimmune responses. According to a study published in Nature Reviews Immunology (2020), gut dysbiosis is strongly associated with autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease and type 1 diabetes.

Some Nigerian Foods and Herbs That Can be used in Managing Autoimmune Diseases

While there is no cure for autoimmune diseases, lifestyle modifications, especially dietary changes, can help manage symptoms. Certain Nigerian foods and herbs, rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and immune-modulating properties, have been found to aid in the management of autoimmune diseases.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is renowned for its anti-inflammatory compound, curcumin. Studies published in The Journal of Clinical Immunology suggest that curcumin can significantly reduce inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In Nigeria, turmeric is commonly used in soups and stews, making it an accessible anti-inflammatory remedy.

2. Bitter Leaf

Known for its detoxifying and immune-boosting properties, bitter leaf has been used traditionally to manage autoimmune symptoms. Research published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research (2019) revealed that bitter leaf extract can lower oxidative stress, a major contributor to autoimmune flare-ups.

3. Moringa

Moringa, known locally as “the miracle tree,” is a potent anti-inflammatory agent packed with vitamins and minerals. A study in Frontiers in Pharmacology (2020) showed that moringa extract can help regulate the immune system, reducing the likelihood of autoimmune attacks. Moringa leaves can be used in soups or consumed as tea for effective symptom management.

4. Ugu

Rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients, fluted pumpkin leaves (commonly used in Nigerian soups) have been found to support immune health. A 2020 study in Nutrients journal showed that the antioxidant properties of Ugu leaves help in reducing inflammation associated with autoimmune conditions like lupus and multiple sclerosis.

5. Garlic

Garlic has long been celebrated for its immune-boosting effects. Its sulfur-containing compounds have been shown to regulate immune responses, which can be beneficial in autoimmune diseases. Research published in the Journal of Immunology (2021) confirmed that garlic’s anti-inflammatory properties can help mitigate the effects of autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis.

6. Scent Leaf

Scent leaf, rich in essential oils and antioxidants, has been traditionally used to support immune function. A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2022) found that scent leaf extract can help in modulating immune responses, reducing the severity of autoimmune flare-ups.

7-Day Anti-Inflammatory Diet Plan for Managing Autoimmune Diseases

Below is a 7-day diet plan featuring Nigerian foods and herbs that can help manage autoimmune diseases by reducing inflammation and promoting gut health:

Day	Breakfast	Lunch	Dinner	Snacks/Herbs
Day 1	Moringa tea + whole grain pap with honey	Boiled yam + bitter leaf and fluted pumpkin (Ugu) soup	Grilled fish + steamed spinach with garlic	Ginger tea + roasted groundnuts
Day 2	Millet porridge with coconut milk	Jollof rice with turmeric + grilled chicken	Eba with okra soup + scent leaf	Watermelon slices + moringa tea
Day 3	Oats with chia seeds + moringa leaves smoothie	Boiled plantain + garden egg stew with garlic	Roasted sweet potatoes + bitter leaf stir-fry	Tiger nuts + herbal tea with scent leaf
Day 4	Smoothie (banana, moringa powder, and honey)	Brown rice with stir-fried vegetables (carrot, fluted pumpkin)	Pepper soup with goat meat and turmeric	Avocado slices + turmeric tea
Day 5	Scent leaf omelette + whole wheat toast	Beans (ewa riro) + fried plantain with garlic	Pounded yam + ogbono soup with fluted pumpkin	Dates + moringa herbal tea
Day 6	Akara (bean cakes) with moringa tea	Yam porridge with bitter leaf	Grilled chicken with steamed Ugu and garlic	Pineapple slices + garlic tea
Day 7	Boiled eggs + vegetable stir-fry with moringa leaves	Rice and beans with scent leaf + grilled fish	Efo riro (spinach stew) with boiled plantain	Carrot sticks + moringa-infused water

This diet plan incorporates a variety of anti-inflammatory foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support immune health. Nigerian staples like fluted pumpkin, bitter leaf, garlic, and moringa play a significant role in managing autoimmune symptoms by reducing inflammation and improving gut health.

Optimizing Diet for Autoimmune Disease Management

For individuals dealing with autoimmune diseases, adopting a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding triggers like processed foods, sugar, and trans fats is crucial. Nigerian staples like millet, yam, and sorghum offer fiber and antioxidants that promote gut health, a key factor in managing autoimmune diseases. Additionally, increasing the intake of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, helps reduce inflammation and improve immune regulation.

Conclusion:

Autoimmune diseases present complex challenges due to their multifactorial causes, but research shows that proper management can significantly improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

While genetic predisposition and environmental factors cannot be entirely controlled, adopting a healthy diet, rich in specific Nigerian foods and herbs, can play a significant role in reducing inflammation and supporting immune function. As medical research progresses, integrating traditional knowledge with modern medical insights will continue to provide valuable approaches for managing these conditions.

By understanding the causes and incorporating therapeutic foods, individuals can take proactive steps in managing autoimmune diseases, ensuring a balanced and healthier life.